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Wednesday, 8 January, 2003, 20:23 GMT

RSPCA swamped with dumped pets

It's a dog's life for the staff of the RSPCA's animal home in Leeds who are inundated with unwanted pets after the Christmas period.

The past days have been the busiest on record for the centre with more than 70 cats and dogs abandoned over the festive period.

Helen Wright of the RSPCA in Leeds said that animals, and puppies in particular, are not the best Christmas presents to give.

"Puppies are not toilet trained, they've been with their litter mates and they've got needle sharp teeth...and they want to play with them in their way, which means getting hold."

With so many unwanted puppies and cats the organisation says it's been the busiest Chrisitmas they can remember.

Ms Wright added: "Every nook and cranny has an animal in it, it's absolutely disasterous.

"We've got adult cats that have been dumped, there isn't any space whatsoever."

Despite the annual warning the RSPCA says the problem is just getting worse.

If you can offer an animal a home contact 0113 245 5132.


Related to this story:
Tethered horses a 'problem' (02 Dec 02 | England) Animals attacked in East Midlands (07 Nov 02 | England)


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